Chapter 7: Administration of the Faith Promise Fund

The key to the success of a Faith Promise Fund lies in its proper administration. Therefore it should fall directly under the control of the Missions Board.

Monthly Faith Promise newsletter

A Faith Promise newsletter should be issued every month - to be received by participating members by no later than the 23rd of each month. The newsletter should state:

• how much money came in during the month;
• how close this figure is to the "Faith Promise" figure;
• the distribution of these funds in accordance with the mission strategy of the church, outlined at the conference

The newsletter is a dynamic tool to inform the participants as to how their contribution is being utilised. It should also encourage them to stretch their faith to believe God for the amount they have pledged. Here is an opportunity for budding journalists in the church to write vibrant accounts of the work of the various missionaries and/or mission organisations. (The most interesting highlights can be selected.)

(NB: Include with this monthly newsletter a Faith Promise envelope.)

Faith Promise Envelope

It will be very convenient for each participating member to have access to the Faith Promise envelopes (see Annexure G). As soon as he receives the amount for which he has been believing, he can place it in his envelope. On Sunday, at church, he can put it in the offering plate, along with his usual tithes and offerings.

Application of the Faith Promise Fund

The Accounts Department of the church must ensure that all Faith Promise funds are banked into a separate bank account.

It is now time for a word of caution!!

It is easy to turn almost all the church activities into a mission programme. The Faith Promise budget might be used for all kinds of things that are not missions! For example, a decision might be made to build a youth hall (to reach the already-reached youth.) Many more such projects might be proposed.

For this reason, the application of Faith Promise funds will require, by those concerned, the utmost integrity and commitment to adhere strictly to the mission strategy of the church.

It is essential that the church's Accounts Department keeps the Missions Board informed of the Faith Promise income on a regular monthly basis. This will enable the Missions Board to make well-planned decisions as to how to spend the income effectively.